As you know, the offering of prayers on behalf of the
departed, whether Bahá'í or non-Bahá'í, is encouraged in our teachings, as such
prayer are conducive to the progress of their souls in the world beyond. As to
the holding of memorial gathering on regular intervals, there is nothing in the
teachings specifically prohibiting such gatherings, but we find general
guidelines in the letters of the beloved Guardian, in which he warns the
believers against adhering to the rites and customs of past systems and of
former religions, and instead urges them to show forth the Bahá'í way of life
and demonstrate the independent character of the teachings of the faith.
Advertising memorial gatherings by the family is entirely a personal matter for
the family to decide. It is left to the discretion of your National Spiritual
Assembly whether Local Spiritual Assemblies may permit the use of their Bahá'í
centers for such gatherings. - The Universal House of Justice (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ghana, May 24, 1974; (compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)